Any budding Sewer's....help! :)?

Question

Hi ladies...and gents

I'm a beginner sewer, just bought a new... well second hand machine, becuase i really want to start sewing, customisng my own stuff. My only problem is that I'm a complete novice..and so is my mum and everyone around me. Do any of you have any tips, websites, recommend any books, patterns, sewing tutor's in london. Anything that can help me become a better more skilled sewer.

Answer 1

As a first project, you may want to choose something simple like a pillow to get used to using the machine.
For clothing, buy some very basic, really plain patterns. For example, an A-line skirt, a sleeveless shift dress. A set-in sleeve requires some skill.
Fit is the most important thing. Once you have made a garment that fits properly, you can dress it up with various additions when you use the same pattern again. Try to choose styles without buttonholes at first.
Start with woven fabric, cotton is best. Save the knits for later.
It is very important to keep your machine oiled. Study the instruction book that came with the machine for complete oiling instructions. Be aware that the oil does drip down the needle. Wipe the needle off and sew through some scrap fabric to make sure the oil is gone from the needle, before sewing your good fabric.
Change the needle fairly often. A dull needle will cause skipped stitches. There are different needles for woven fabrics and for knits. Woven fabrics require a sharp needle. Knits require a ball point needle. There are also different sized needles depending on the weight of the fabric. American size 14 is used for most fabrics. Heavy denim would require a size 18.
Practice new skills on scrap fabric, such as gathering or sewing in a zipper.
If your machine does fancy stitches, you should practice these on scrap fabric. You may need to adjustment your machine in stitch length or width.
Get a good iron. Half of sewing is pressing. Pressing can make the difference between that "home-sewn" look and high fashion.
Invest in some good pressing equipment: a tailor's ham, a sleeve board. These are a necessity when working with wool fabric.
Have fun and by all means shop for sales!

Answer 2

Have a look in your local library; there will be books there from extreme beginners to advanced. Many local authorities also have evening classes beginning around now, in which you can learn sewing and tailoring. They are usually very good and extremely expert in their tuition. I married at 17 and could not cook, sew, clean, do laundry, budget, or anything; by the time I had six kids I was making all the school clothes including anoraks, coats, shirts, trousers, blouses, made their woolies on a knitting machine, and all learned with library books and evening classes. Good luck- its great fun!!

Answer 3

few words of advice for the beginner from my grandmother:

Get a soft brush, remove the bobbin and dust for broken threads. They don't always come up when you pull them.
Look under the bobbin carriage to find dust, lint, thread and get it out of there.
While getting knotted up the thread may have loosened the tension on the bobbin so put a bobbin in and pull gently to see if it comes off easily, if not loosen or tighten the screw on the bobbin case itself.
Oil the machine and clean it.
Never adjust tension while the needle is up.
Put it all the way down, turn it to 0 and then turn to the number you think it should be, then adjust returning the needle to the down position each time before turning the tension.

Use that seam ripper and do it over, as ye sew, sew shall ye rip!

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Answer 4

Go to HGTV.com,About.com,DIY.com,and lots of links to where you can find loads of instructions,free printable patterns,and books.You can also check with the local library or thrift store for books and other bargains to help you learn.The first thing you need to do is learn your machine,how to clean it,thread it,etc.Then grab some old scraps of cloth and learn to sew different stitches.Read your manual.That's the best way I know to teach yourself.Anything you need to know just email me and I will try to help you.I've been sewing for many years altho I am not a professional,I make most anything I want to.And above all have patience.If it gets on your nerves,lay it down and go back to it later,always works for me.Be prepared to rip out and do it over.Practice makes perfect.Good luck and happy sewing.

Answer 5

Practice making patterns by drawing on paper and following the lines.
I do scrap booking but I always practice by using peices of scrap paper first. It saves wasting material.

Answer 6

I consider that Sules man or woman. i particularly do not see any Twilight resemblance in it. I sorta like how this tale is going. shop on writing it, i'm particularly particular it truly is a staggering tale!

Answer 7

havent I already answered this?